On June 19th, USB implemented the second local workshop of the ROLES at Irida Women's Center, inviting participants to dive deeper into the connection between art, emotions, personal stories and mental health.
Through observation and interpretation of artworks, participants were encouraged to look beyond the image itself and reflect on the feelings, memories and stories that art can bring to the surface. The activities created space for participants to connect visual expression with personal experiences while also discovering how different people can understand the same artwork in completely different ways.
A key part of the workshop was the transformation of the collective artwork around anxiety. Participants returned to the piece they had created and reimagined it through a more hopeful perspective, exploring how anxiety, challenges and difficult emotions can also lead to growth, support, resilience and self-understanding.
The second workshop was full of creativity, reflection and meaningful conversations. It showed how art can help us not only express emotions, but also reframe, understand and transform them into something empowering.
Results: Through the second ROLES workshop, participants had the opportunity to observe and interpret artworks through personal and emotional perspectives. They connected images with memories, stories and lived experiences and revisited difficult emotions through a more positive and empowering approach. Participants explored how art can support dialogue around mental health and strengthened their creativity, reflection and collaboration skills. They also got a chance to understand how artistic expression can contribute to personal growth. The workshop reminded them that mental wellbeing conversations do not always have to start with words; sometimes, they can begin with an image, a colour, a memory or a shared creative moment.
Testimonials from participants:
"It was my first experience in a workshop that combines art with the important mission of challenging and reducing mental health stigma, and I truly enjoyed every moment of it. The facilitation team did an exceptional job guiding us through the workshop using a variety of creative methods to encourage self-expression, connection and reflection. It felt like a safe environment where I felt comfortable. I am looking forward to participating in more activities like this." Sevi
